2010 draft tight end rankings

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 30, 2010, 5:06 PM EST

1. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma.

Gresham missed all of 2009 while rehabbing from surgery to stitch together torn knee cartilage, but is a dominant red-zone receiver with speed to stretch the field and the necessary frame to develop into an impact run blocker.

Draft Prediction: Chiefs, No. 36 overall.

2. Rob Gronkowski, Arizona.

Rumors are circulating that Gronkowski suffers from spinal stenosis — the same condition that prematurely ended Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels’ career — but if healthy, “Gronk” is the draft’s most complete tight end.

Draft Prediction: Rams, No. 65 overall.

3. Jimmy Graham, Miami.

A former top-60 basketball recruit, Graham played just one year of college football but combines 4.5 speed with massive hands (10 5/8″) and an ideal build (6’6/260), and does not lack the physicality to grow into an adequate blocker.

Draft Prediction: Ravens, No. 57 overall.

4. Dennis Pitta, BYU.

The Cougars’ all-time receptions leader, Pitta will turn 25 in his rookie season after taking a two-year Mormon mission in college, but is a terrific athlete with soft hands and plenty of strength.

Draft Prediction: Chargers, No. 91 overall.

5. Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh.

An H-back/slot receiver with 4.40 speed at 6’1/226, Dickerson paced Dave Wannstedt’s Panthers with ten touchdowns last season and could pose matchup nightmares if utilized correctly.

Draft Prediction: Falcons, No. 98 overall.

6. Aaron Hernandez, Florida.

Tim Tebow’s go-to guy won’t block anyone, but runs a 4.6-flat at 6’2/245, possesses sure hands, and catches the ball exceptionally well over his shoulder.

Draft Prediction: Patriots, No. 47 overall.

7. Ed Dickson, Oregon.

A better blocker than he’s given credit for coming from Mike Bellotti’s run-heavy scheme, Dickson is a seam-stretching tight end with upside to grow into an every-down NFL player.

Draft Prediction: Dolphins, No. 110 overall.

8. Andrew Quarless, Penn State.

Quarless has NFL-ready blocking ability, deceptive long speed, and ideal experience as a four-year starter, but was suspended on numerous occasions by Joe Paterno.

Draft Prediction: Cardinals, No. 123 overall.

9. Anthony McCoy, USC.

McCoy scored just three career touchdowns at USC, but learned to block in Pete Carroll’s pro-style system and averaged 20.8 yards per catch as a senior.

Draft Prediction: Bengals, No. 54 overall.

10. Tony Moeaki, Iowa.

Another product of a pro-style offense, Moeaki is a willing blocker in the run game and was a difference-making pass catcher as a senior, but is injury prone.

Draft Prediction: Broncos, No. 114 overall.

11. Garrett Graham, Wisconsin.

Graham profiles similarly to fellow ex-Badger Owen Daniels as a middle-round prospect with elite instincts and receiving skills, but only 4.7 speed and substandard size (6’3/234).

Draft Prediction: Vikings, No. 128 overall.

12. Clay Harbor, Missouri State.

Harbor’s production and athleticism are outstanding, but he faced weak collegiate competition and is unlikely to make an impact in year one.

Draft Prediction: Raiders, No. 158 overall.

13. Nate Byham, Pittsburgh.

The more physical half of Wannstedt’s impressive tight end duo, Byham was perhaps the best blocking tight end in the nation last year, but never topped 20 receptions in a season.

Draft Prediction: Eagles, No. 200 overall.

14. Colin Peek, Alabama.

A well-rounded tight end without much upside, Peek made plenty of clutch catches as a senior for Nick Saban and projects as immediate help in the running game.

Draft Prediction: 49ers, No. 206 overall.

15. Ali Villanueva, Army.

An incredible story, the 6-foot-9, 277-pound Villanueva was a 12-game starter at left tackle as a junior before converting to wideout as a senior and leading the Black Knights in all possible receiving categories.

If the Bengals don’t take Gresham at #21, they deserve to fail. Palmer needs a TE to complete his offense, and their current TE’s (Foschi and Coats) are pathetic.

mastablasta says:Mar 31, 2010 10:39 AM

what happened to the bengals last year TE pick[chase coffman]!!??

Gabrielsdad237 says:Mar 31, 2010 11:05 AM

Might want to do some research there Silva. Dickerson measured in at 6’3 at the Combine.

BroncoBourque says:Mar 31, 2010 11:16 AM

If I am a team I would take a chance on Villanueva with a late round pick. You know as an Army kid work ethic will not be a problem and at 6’9 277 lbs the guy has great size.

whoaleckna says:Mar 31, 2010 11:33 AM

in my opinion, hernandez, dickson, and especially moeaki are too low. Hernandez would be a brilliant choice for the Pats.

bbking says:Apr 1, 2010 1:23 PM

So According to you, the Pats will pick a WR 1st round, TE 2nd pick 2nd round, and RB 3rd pick 2nd round. Hmmm Not too bad on the picks but what will they do for a DE and LB, the #1 and #2 needs imo?

Tomthebombtracy says:Apr 3, 2010 7:56 AM

Dickerson disappeared the last couple of games and the bowl game with Pitt.
People were in love with his combine numbers but there seems to be a trend to rely more on the games…..especially the critical games late in the career….then the overrated calistenics at Indy.